The Overseas Basing Commission sent its final report to Congress and President Bush on Monday, reinforcing its May interim findings that the Pentagon did not adequately coordinate its plans to restructure US military assets abroad. The commissioners emphasized caution on reliance with “new allies” and the importance of formal treaties before realizing the permanence of alliances abroad. The report also questions the lack of adequate strategic and tactical lift capabilities, stating that pre-positioned stocks of capability need to be replenished in light of heavy wartime deployments, and the costs associated with reorganization. (Read the report in its entirety here.)
The Pentagon awarded a contract worth over $2 billion for the next batch of F-35 engines to Pratt & Whitney on June 5. The deal for Lot 17 F135 engines, totaling $2.02 billion, is expected to be completed by December 2025.